The new addition of Dragon Time this year has left a variety of impressions on staff and students. Depending on the teacher and student’s situation, the popularity of Dragon Time can be vastly different.

Dragon Time was supposed to be a time for students to get help in classes they are struggling with. It also is for students who want something to do outside of their usual classes if they are fine with everything else. “I enjoy it,” Makenzie Smith, 20 said. “It is a nice break in the day, but could be longer.”

Teachers on the other hand, have had some negative experiences. “I enjoy opening up my classroom to kids, but it costs me money and is tricky because it is not enough time to make something,” Culinary teacher Alli Hoskins said. “Especially with fresh kids. It definitely takes some planning.”

Other times, when the amount of time is not the issue, keeping students occupied and making them remember to sign up is the next problem. “Anytime there is change, there is stress,” Special needs teacher Russel Fortune said. “I have heard many students are choosing to go to a study hall instead of picking a Dragon Time.  This could be frustrating to teachers.”

Some teachers have tried taking different approaches to get the students to sign up and have successful Dragon Times. “Recently I have been alternating Dragon Time sessions between, ACT Science prep, and ACT English prep.” Science teacher Jennifer Lehman said.

One of Lehman’s ACT preparation Dragon Times was completely full with almost 40 kids.

For teachers who have had positive experiences, student input has helped. “More involvement from the students will help,” Fortune said. “My Dragon Times are pretty successful because I have a set plan every time. Other teachers might not have time because of their classes, so having students help share in the planning might help.”

Although there have been some mixed response from staff and students, most agree that there should be some changes to Dragon Time next year.

“I’d ask the students ‘what would you invite your friends to?'” Hoskins said. “I wish we (teachers) could do things that were not related to our curriculum classes. I would do karaoke, or on nice days, go for walks outside, there is nothing wrong with giving the kids time to relax, and this would let kids see us in a different way.”